Monday, December 26, 2016

Well done Dad, you really lived!

Life is changing, Dad taught me how to live, love, laugh and adventure. How to cherish family and good friends. How to listen to what everyone has to say even if they are mad at you or you don't agree with them and try not to worry about the small stuff!

He was very good at telling stories of his life adventures.
The one thing that he didn't achieve and not that he didn't try, was to have a campground but this gave him a few more stories:-)

Stories of land he bought, didn't buy or tried to buy.

Stories of skipping his confirmation to go fishing only to have his parents make him take two more years of confirmation classes! Stories of tipping outhouses, throwing dead cats into bars, greasing railroad tracks and watching trains slide through town, endless hunting and fishing adventures

and so many more!

Always ready for a visit!

Dad was always ready to work and help with the next project! It bothered him a lot when he couldn't see well enough to help anymore but he still came to supervise!

His quote that we have to use on every project "it's good enough for a town this size"

He was fascinated and loved hearing about Nellie's adventures!

He provided a great home and many adventures to his 7 kids(5sons,2daughters)

18 grandkids and 15 1/2 great grandkids! I guess mom didn't like being an only child growing up:-)

Mike, Barb, Steve, Doug, Mary, Bob

Dad, Mom and Tom are with us in spirit!

Dad loved his job as a telephone installer/repairman mainly I think because he liked to talk and visit with people!

He loved building and spending time at the cabin!

Dad and Mom were collectors which shows from the collection of old signs on his garages!

He also loved his old snowplow, made originally by his long time friend Glen. Built from a 50's willy's jeep, a tractor and ??? He plowed with it until last year!

Dad passed away Dec.21 2016 at the age of 88, one day before his 65th anniversary to mom! It's great he made it to her a day early!

He's been missing Mom for eight years and as much as we will miss him it's comforting knowing they are together again!

Steve and I had the honor of one last building project for Dad!

It is made from a cherry log that he milled, an old tabletop he had collected, some Catalpa tree lumber that I made Moms box from, elk and dear horns from Canada and a piece of my Airstream.

We are all going to miss you Dad but happy you are adventuring with Mom again!

I will be thinking of you with all of our Airstream travels! Thanks Mom and Dad for setting a great example for us!